By Mary Owen
Two local students move on to compete at the state level in an essay competition sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars.
“Two of the children in our post have won first place in the district,” said George Stein, spokesperson for Santiam Valley VFW Post #5638. “We’re on top of the world! In fact, VFW will have a big write-up of our little post in its next issue. We’re so proud of these kids!”
Each November, the VFW sponsors two competitions: Voice of Democracy for high school students and Patriot’s Pen for sixth, seventh and eighth graders. The submitted essays are all original articles, submitted and judged by six Santiam Valley VFW Post judges, including a retired school principal and retired English teacher.
“I love seeing the children compete for money that will go toward education,” Stein said. “I want all the kids from our schools to do well.”
Winning the Voice for Democracy competition is Jessica Glaser, 17, of Scio. Glaser, who is home-schooled, wrote her essay on “Is Our Constitution Relevant?” This is her fourth year in the competition for thesenior headed for Patrick Henry College in Virginia.
Meetings are second and fourth Tuesday, 7 p.m.
Stayton Fire Department
188 W. Ida St., Stayton
“It was fun to go to the banquet and hear the winners’ speeches,” Glaser said of the Dec. 11 post celebration at the Stayton Fire House. “Getting to know the other kids in the competition was great.”
Glaser’s mother, Sara, said, “We’re very thankful for the abilities that God has given her to be able to express her thoughts in writing. We’re excited for her, too!”
Sara Glaser said history is one of her daughter’s strongest subjects, one that she “really believes in and is passionate about. She’s very patriotic.”
“I’m hoping to be a teacher, with emphasis on history, literature, music and languages,” Jessica said. “I really enjoy those subjects.”
Jessica has written for both contests, winning at the post level every year for Patriot’s Pen, and in eighth grade, placing first in state. In the high school competition, she placed third, second, and first in previous years.
Three of the four Glaser children have been successful in entering the VFW contest, each winning first place, with brother, William, now 26, traveling to Washington, D.C., for nationals. Caleb, 14, has placed first in post and district.
Taking first place this year in post and district for Patriot’s Pen is eighth-grader Natalie Caudel of Stayton, who attends St. Mary Catholic School in Stayton. Eighth-grader Ethan Lulay of Stayton placed second and seventh-grader Eric Reynolds of Aumsville won third place in the school’s competition.
This year’s contestants were asked to use the theme, “Who were the founding fathers?” and “What would you tell them?” using 300-400 words.
The St. Mary contestants won $50 for first, $25 for second and a U.S. flag and certificate for third.
“I wanted our students to participate to help them become more reflective about the blessings we take for granted,” said Mary Barrett, St. Mary language arts teacher. “This project seemed particularly valuable considering this was an election year.”
Caudel took the district win over Cambrain Partridge, first place winner for Whiteaker Middle School in Salem, and Taylor High, first place winner for Sublimity Middle School. Also placing at Sublimity Middle School for a post win were Cy Fergusen, second, and Brian Schaenborn, third.
District winners will now compete at the Department or state level. State champions win an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete on a national level. National winners are awarded savings bonds toward college, with first place receiving $10,000.
“We’re so proud of our winners!” said Leroy Grover, post commander.
